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"I think [the] playoffs are all about intensity and playing as a good, solid team. That's how you win. It's not just superstars. It's who wants it the most." - Mike Fisher, via yesterday's media call.
That, dear readers, is a winning mentality. The Nashville Predators have some of it, but unfortunately (and as we've discussed), it comes and goes with frustrating frequency. Case in point: the Predators have only won two of their past six games, but the two victories came in resounding fashion over the Red Wings.
But as Nashville's newest acquisition says, winning is all about who wants it the most, and in Mike Fisher, the Predators' will-to-win just got that much stronger. As the season turns for home, they'll need every ounce of effort available.
Sure, Peter Forsberg's in town, but who cares? Mike Fisher takes the ice tonight for the first time as a Nashville Predator. Details after the jump.
Despite all the excitement, the fact of the matter is we don't yet know how Mike Fisher will affect the team on the ice. Off it, however, the move and price paid speak volumes to a fanbase that is justifiably weary over having to settle for rosters on the cheap and first round disappointments. Fisher isn't the savior, but he represents a willingness to spend the money required in order to go all-in, which is as much as we could ask for from the front office.
I wouldn't expect much from Mike Fisher tonight, considering his immigration papers were still not resolved yesterday afternoon, and he hasn't participated in a full practice with his new teammates.
I also wouldn't expect much from former Predator Peter Forsberg, who made his season debut last night against the Blue Jackets. It's a heartwarming story, but Foppa is 37 years old. And crippled. One question I'm interested in resolving, though, is how he's received by the (sellout) Nashville crowd.
Tonight's projected lineups:
This, obviously, is a total guess on where we'll see Mike Fisher inserted into the lineup, but you can bet that Matt Halischuk will be the odd man out.
